Strong announces primary challenge to Rep. Cohen

Corey Strong, former chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party, on Friday announced he would challenge U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen in the Democratic primary for the Tennessee 9th Congressional District.

Strong also challenged Cohen in the Democratic primary in 2020 but lost.

In a press release, Strong said that he is "dedicated" to bringing solutions to issues like crime, poverty and blight that have "plagued constituents for decades."

"The violence we are seeing in Memphis is akin to what I have seen in other countries around the world — young people who are expressing their hopelessness through violence. You can't police your way out of this violence," Strong said. "The only solution is real opportunity, and the constituents deserve a congressman who is committed to bringing hope and opportunity at scale."

Strong also said in the press release he will bring his "global experience and vision," to promote regional growth.

“Memphis is a global city with a legacy of making global impact. The future economy of this country will be driven by the South, and I am committed to ensuring that this district continues her legacy by becoming a primary economic driver for this region and this nation,” he said.

Strong said his priorities for his campaign include attracting industry, expanding infrastructure, and educating the local workforce, elements he thinks will get the district "back on track."

"The big economic decisions are made in D.C. This district has every advantage any industry or federal department could want, including a motivated workforce," Strong said in the press release.

Strong, born and raised in Memphis, spent time in the military as an activeduty Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy. Upon returning home, Strong has served in leadership positions in educational organizations throughout Shelby County, including Memphis-shelby County Schools (Shelby County Schools at the time) and Freedom

Preparatory Academy Charter Schools.

Strong is currently the Director of Partnerships for First 8 Memphis, a universal needs-based Pre-k program in Shelby County.

Cohen has represented Memphis in the TN-09 seat since 2007 and has won reelection numerous times against a multitude of candidates. Cohen's first run for a federal office was in 1996 but lost in the primary to former Rep. Harold Ford Jr.

Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at (901) 4846225, brooke.muckerman@commercialappeal.com and followed on X, formerly known as Twitter @Brookemuckerman.